School of Performing Arts spreads ‘Rumors’ beginning Oct. 18

The University of Maine’s School of Performing Arts brings Neil Simon’s “Rumors” to the Al Cyrus Pavilion Theatre beginning Friday, Oct.18. 

The show is the first mainstage production of the SPA 2019–20 season, and will run for seven performances: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18–19 and Oct. 25–26, 2 p.m. Oct. 20 and 27, and 10 a.m. Oct. 24. 

At a large, tastefully appointed Sneden’s Landing townhouse, Charley Brock, the deputy mayor of New York City, has just shot himself. His wife, Myra, is nowhere in sight. 

Though only a flesh wound, four couples who are guests at a celebration of the Brocks’ 10th wedding anniversary are about to experience a severe attack of farce. Charlie’s lawyer, Ken, and his wife, Chris, must get “the story” straight before the other guests arrive. As the confusions and miscommunications mount, the evening spins off into classic farcical hilarity.

Julie Arnold Lisnet, lecturer of theatre at UMaine and founding member of Ten Bucks Theatre Co., directs the show. Her recent credits include directing “The Curious Savage” for the School of Performing Arts 2018–19 season and “The Elephant Man” for Ten Bucks Theatre, and playing Queen Elizabeth in TBT’s summer Shakespeare production of “Richard III.”

Tickets are $10 and available online or by calling the box office, 581.1755. Admission is free for students with a valid MaineCard. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact Birdie Sawyer, 581.2584, fredrick.sawyer@maine.edu. 

The show is co-sponsored by the School of Performing Arts and the Cultural Affairs/Distinguished Lecture Series.